By SHAMAOMA MUSONDA –

GOVERNMENT has pardoned rogue boxer Bazila Ngosa, who was handed a life ban last month, after attacking referee Maybin Kante.
Ngosa atacked Kante after losing an international non-title bout in Kitwe.
Sports Minister Chishimba Kambwili said in a letter to Ngosa that Government had heard his cries and decided to give the wayward boxer a second chance but warned him against repeating such acts as it would completely jeopardise his young career.
“I have considered to lift the ban, however, I wish to point out that your behaviour during the boxing tournament held in Kitwe is not acceptable. As a professional boxer, you are required to exhibit outstanding behaviour at all times.
“You are expected to adhere to the Olympic values which require all athletes to demonstrate respect, friendship and excellence in their conduct of sporting disciplines,” Kambwili said.
During a Mwenya Musenge Boxing Stables promotion held in Kitwe at Arthur Davies Stadium on June 8, Ngosa was knocked down three times by Kenyan Francis Kimani, forcing Kante stop the fight.
But the referee’s decision only sent Ngosa into a rage and threw a punch at Kante who cleverly dodged the barrage.
Way after the bout, Kante laid siege on Kante but again missed the target as police swiftly moved in and whisked him away.
This prompted the Boxing Board of Control (BBC) to hand him a life ban for unsporting behaviour before the disgraced boxer appealed to the Sports Minister for a second chance.
In his appeal, Ngosa said before being taken in by the Mwenya Musenge Boxing Stables, his life was that of a street kid with no hope for a better life.
After being counselled and reprimanded by the Mwenya Musenge Boxing Stables over his action, Ngosa promised the nation that he would never disgrace himself again in a boxing arena.
Ngosa also pleaded with BBC to consider lifting the ban as he had been offered another fight in Uganda in October and promised to be at his best behaviour.
Kambwili, in his letter of reprieve, concluded by stating that the boxing fraternity will expect a good performance and positive interaction with Ngosa’s peers and all stakeholders.